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The pickle as we know it is thought to have originated in India, where cucumbers were first grown. The crisp, fermented delight then gradually made its way to Egypt and the Mediterranean Basin. It is thought that the Romans first introduced pickles to Northern Europe, where they rapidly gained popularity. Pickles played an important role in Columbus' voyage to America. Long voyages were often jeopardized because crews suffered from scurvy—the result of a lack of vitamin C. Columbus' ships, however, were supplied with vitamin C-rich pickles, allowing sailors to make the long trip, despite the causes of scurvy being unknown. In fact, the pickles may have been supplied by Amerigo Vespucci—the map-maker for whom our continent was named. He was reportedly a fine pickle maker.
Click here for more facts and a great recipe: http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-pickles
